As Restaurateurs Push State Government, Alcohol Regulations Loosened

One well-known Houston owner/operator is trying to empower food and beverage industry folks.

Restaurateur Bobby Heugel (Anvil Bar & Refuge, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow) is one of the more outspoken and active industry leaders in Houston. So it's no surprise that on Wednesday, he penned a letter that Texas food and beverage professionals can send to Gov Greg Abbott asking for help during the potential spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The letter, which can be viewed here, asks Abbott to waive tax payments due Friday across the state for both February sales and mixed beverage receipts. Further, Heugel is asking Abbott to negotiate rent and mortgage relief for owners and operators, and to suspend government mandates set to come into effect over the next two months.

"Working in the hospitality industry is a career choice with a unique skill set we have refined and relied on throughout our lives," the letter reads. "We need to be able to return to our jobs so we can continue to use our professional skills to support our families and ourselves.

Heugel wants anyone interested in supporting the letter to call Gov Abbott's office and leave a voicemail voicing the talking points in the letter.